Montgomery joins UConn greats

News-Times, The (Danbury, CT), Rich Elliott STAFF WRITER

Published
1:00 am EST, Sunday, February 15, 2009

STORRS -- Kalana Greene had the unenviable task of trying to keep a secret from her roommate and UConn teammate Renee Montgomery for the past three weeks. It seemed like an eternity for Greene, who admits that Montgomery is one of the nosiest people on the planet.

Greene was first contacted by Montgomery's mother, Bertlela. The next day she was brought into the office of Huskies coach

Geno Auriemma
and told that Montgomery was going to be inducted into the Huskies of Honor Sunday against No. 19 Pittsburgh. Greene was being called on to drum up the necessary number of tickets for Montgomery's family and to keep the ceremony quiet from the rest of the team.

The efforts of Greene and the UConn coaching staff were remarkable.

Greene got her hands on 16 tickets. And when her No. 20 banner was finally unveiled Sunday Montgomery was completely surprised, uttering the word, "wow'' over and over as she walked to midcourt.

"I think the way in which I received it made it even more special,'' said Montgomery, with her 3-year-old niece, Shayla seated on her lap.

"I had no idea I was getting it. (Greene) did an amazing job of keeping it a secret for three weeks. My family was here. I think that was definitely the best surprise I've ever gotten by far.''

Montgomery, a 5-foot-7 All-American point guard, initially believed the ceremony was to honor former North Carolina State coach
Kay Yow
, who died Jan. 24 following a two-decade fight with breast cancer. Her parents, Ron and Bertlela joined her at midcourt. Her two sisters, Nicole and Nachette, four nieces and other members of her family were also in attendance.

The honor ordains Montgomery as one of the greatest players to play for what is considered to be one of the greatest programs in the country.

Following the game, Montgomery addressed the fans, thanking them for their support throughout her career and expressing how surprised she was about being honored.

"It's special being that the secret wasn't broken, and her family being able to be here for her was great,'' Greene said. "She's doing a lot of great things here and I'm happy to be a part of it.''

This is the second such ceremony this season for the Huskies. The 1994-95 undefeated national championship team was honored during season opener against

Montgomery, was named a State Farm All-American last season, is currently ranked seventh in team history in scoring (1,761), fourth in assists (569), fifth in made 3-pointers (214) and 10th in steals (570). She made her 134th start -- 127 straight -- against Pittsburgh.

Both streaks are the longest active streaks in the nation.

Montgomery, Taurasi and Rizzotti are the only players in team history to amass 1,500 points and 500 assists. Montgomery, Abrosimova and Ralph are the only in players in team history to rank in the Top 10 in scoring, assists and steals.

"I just think when you reach that special level of you're the best in the country you probably have other things going for you,'' Auriemma said. "You probably have a certain something about you that you deserve to be recognized and remembered for as long as they talk about Connecticut basketball.''